n Mahmood Hossain
It’s one thing to have an expensive wardrobe,
but if you can’t wear the right things at the
right time, you’ve failed before it has even
begun.
A meal with the boss
First thing is first, it’s important to remain
professional, even after hours. That doesn’t
mean you can’t let loose and crack a few
jokes with the boss you can get comfortable
with. However, it’s dinner at a restaurant
with the head hancho and you want to look
your best. A black suit is always a classic
choice for an evening out. But leave the tie
and dress shirt at home, you don’t want to
look like you’re entering a room for a Fortune
500 meeting.
A slim-fitted dark suit, better yet
something tailored, goes best with a black
polo. Short sleeves that is. It strikes the
perfect balance between sophistication and
fun comfort. A simple, leather wristwatch
(two-dial watch) will round the entire look
off quite well. As for the shoes, keep it basic
with oxford lace-ups or a pair of Derbys. And
you can always take the suit jacket off when
things get a tad too hot.
Love is in the air
Nervous for that first date? Whoever the
lucky lady is, you’ll have to dress proper
without looking intimidating. The focus
should be on her, while your outfit carries
plenty of style. This look should reflect your
first date - not too much pressure and be
at ease. If you look comfortable, she will
actually feel comfortable.
Starting from bottom to top, take out
those brown penny loafers. Slim-fit khaki

PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK

or casual trousers should be the next step.
Remember, you can’t sacrifice too much
when it comes to comfort. You can put on
a simple striped t-shirt and layer it with a
causal, chambray shirt. Even a dark-wash
denim jacket can substitute for the shirt. And
don’t be too shy to roll up those sleeves.
Mom and dad
So you’ve got the first date, and the many
dates after, out of the way. Now, it’s time
to meet the parents. A dinner with your
significant other’s biological parents can be
more nerve recking than meeting with the
president. Fortunately, this is where you get
to mix things up for your dinner outfit.
Usually, a classier look can be set
by a grey, linen and wool-blend blazer.
Unfortunately, we’ve got our signature
suffocating heat to deal with. Some cotton
and linen-blend blazers have a different
texture, consequently changing the shade
of grey. A grey blazer, sky blue dress shirt,
a light-brown tie and navy slim-fit trousers
is the look to aim for. You can be slightly
adventurous with your shoes. Lace-up boots
or even classy brogues will do the trick. And
of course, make sure they are brown.
#LazyFriday
A get-together with your closest friends over
a fine meal is always a good idea. This is
possibly you’re favourite time in the week.
In turn, you don’t ever want to over think it
as you have only one goal coming out of your
closet. Comfort. Oh, yes, that means your
favourite pair of Nike or Adidas sneakers.
Mixed in are your slim-fit jeans and your
short-sleeve Henley shirt. A casual long
sleeve shirt works just as good, but you’ll
have to tussle with the sleeves a bit.

The key here is to keep it as simple as
possible. But we don’t have to remind of you
that, now do we?
Done deal
Not every meeting or interview takes place
within the confines of an office. Out and
about at restaurants or even a posh cafe
is a natural replacement. Just because it’s
outside the office, that doesn’t mean you
should relax on your approach. In this
situation, first impressions might just be
everything. And the first impression can
definitely be your last, tread carefully.
Don’t even think about compromising
on your suit. This means no off-the-rack. By
now, you should have picked up on the style
cues, regardless the season. Get one of your
go-to bespoke suits, preferably navy or dark
blue, and head out with the intention that
you’ve always deserved that job. No matter
the position, a leather zipped envelope bag
can take you a long way. Gone are the days
of briefcases or looking like an amateur as
you fiddle with your CV, leaving all other
possessions at home.
This is all about looking professional and
carrying on without the world’s weight on
your back. Proper posture and a confident
mood will hand you a more favourable
outcome. l